Sept. 15 deadline for 2012 Fishing Photo Contest approachingDNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife seeking great shots of young anglers

DOVER (Aug. 7, 2012) – Have you taken a great photo of a young angler in action? If so, there’s still time to enter the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s 2012 Delaware Fishing Photo Contest before the Sept. 15 entry deadline. The winning photo will be featured on the cover or inside of the 2013 Delaware Fishing Guide to be published next spring.

“After the success of last year’s contest, we are hoping that once again photographers from all over the state will share some of their best images with us, so we can share them with the fishing public,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Saveikis. “This year, we are reminding photographers that summer is a great time to catch young anglers – the next generation of conservationists – in action as they carry on Delaware’s fishing traditions.”

The contest is open to Delaware residents of all ages, with a maximum of three entries per person. To be eligible, photographs must depict youth participating in fishing activities and must have been taken in Delaware. Adults may be included in the photo, such as a parent or grandparent fishing with a child.

A judging panel comprised of DNREC staff and professional photographers will be looking for photos that best portray this year’s contest theme, “Carrying on the Tradition.” Judges also will be looking at technical criteria including resolution, clarity and composition.

Entries may be mailed to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, Attention: Amanda Belford, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. All entries must be postmarked or delivered by Saturday, Sept. 15, and must include a completed and signed entry form and photo release form. Information and forms are available on the Division’s website at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Pages/FWphoto_contest.aspxand the Fish and Wildlife Facebook page (search Delaware Fish & Wildlife), or may be requested by calling Amanda Belford at 302-739-9911, or email amanda.belford@state.de.us.

Photos must be 8 x 10 paper prints, with no frames or mats and no markings or signatures on the front or back. Normal processing of RAW image files, minimal cropping and minor adjustments to color and contrast are acceptable. HDR and focus stacking are permitted as long as manipulation is disclosed upon entry. Nothing should be added to the image or, aside from dust spots, taken away. The entrant must hold all rights to the photograph and must not infringe on the rights of any other person. Images that involve unlawful harm to fish or damage to the environment should not be submitted and will not be accepted. Entries will not be returned.